Modulating cytokine or hormone signalling in an animal comprising up-regulating the expression of socs sequence in the animal

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of conditions arising from or otherwise associated with aberrations in hormone signalling. More particularly, the present invention contemplates a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of conditions, the amelioration of symptoms of which, are facilitated by an over-expression of a gene encoding a suppressor of cytokine signalling molecule. The present invention further contemplates agents useful for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of such renditions in mammals including humans.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of conditions arising from or otherwise associated with aberrations in hormone signalling.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention contemplates a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of conditions, the amelioration of symptoms of which are facilitated by an over-expression of a gene encoding a suppressor of cytokine signalling molecule. The present invention further contemplates agents useful for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of such conditions in mammals including humans.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Bibliographic details of the publications numerically referred to in this specification are collected at the end of the description.

[0004] Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, au acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other country.

[0005] The gene encoding Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling-1 (SOCS-1), the SOCS protein family prototype, was discovered in a functional genetic screen designed to identify inhibitors of cytokine signalling. Comparison to existing sequences on genetic databases identified a number of additional proteins that could be grouped into a “SOCS protein family” on the basis of homology within a novel COOH-terminal ‘SOCS-box’ sequence motif. Proteins containing the SOCS-box could be further divided into sub-families on the basis of additional protein sequence motifs including, for example, SH2 domains (SOCS1-7), WD40 repeats (WSB1, 2), ankyrin repeats (ASB1-3) and a SPRY domain (SSB1-3). Subsequent analysis has revealed tat SOCS-1 and other SOCS family members, most notably those which incorporate an SH2 domain, represent the key components of a classic negative feedback loop that regulates cytokine signalling. SOCS protein expression is induced by cytokine signaling and SOCS proteins interact with components of that process to tub signaling off.

[0006] SOCS-1, which inhibits the in vitro activity of a variety of cytokines including IL-6, LIF, and type 19 interferons, binds directly to, and inhibits the action of, Janus kinses (JAKs). Published analysis indicates that this activity against JAKs may be mediated by three distinct functional domains within SOCS-1: the SH2 domain and preceding 12 ammo acids (extended SH2 subdomain) of SOCS-1 are required for binding to the phosphorylated (Y1007) activation loop of JAK2; an additional 12 N-terminal amino acids (kinase inhibitory region) of SOCS-1 contribute to high affinity binding to the JAK2 tyrosine e dowry and are required for the inhibition of JAK2 activity; and the SOCS-box has been found to mediate the inter on of SOCS proteins with elongin B and elongin C, intracellular proteins responsible for targeting proteins for degradation within the cell.

[0007] In addition to inhibiting the activity of cytokines that signal through the JAK/STAT pathway, SOCS-1 has also been reported to inhibit TNFα activities such as induction of cell death (1). Although the mechanism for this activity remains unclear, there is some evidence to suggest that SOCS-1 regulates the activity of p38 MAP kinase which in turn may act as a survival factor in TNF treated cells.

[0008] SOCS-3 has also been demonstrated to inhibit the in vitro activity of LIF and IL-6, however, in contrast to SOCS-1, it does not appear to bind directly to JAKs. Structure-function studies have identified an interaction between SOCS-3 and he cytoplasmic domain of shared receptor component gp130. In particular a single peptide representing the amino acid stretch 750764 of gp130 and centred around the phosphorylated tyrosine residue 757 (pY757) is able to bind to the SOCS-3 protein with high affinity (dd-42 nm). Thus, SOCS proteins appear to inhibit cytokine signalling by at least two mechanisms: they are able to bind to, and inhibit the activity of signalling intermediates activated following receptor oligermerization (e.g. JAKs) or they interact with receptor components (e.g. gp130) to inhibit the phosphorlyation and activation of downstream substrates.

[0009] Cytokines are key mediators of a number of severe and debilitating diseases. For example, a number of cytokines including IL-1, IL-6, TNFα, GM-CSF and type I/II interferons are central to the pathophysiology of both acute and chronic inflammatory disease. This is reflected in the development and marketing of new therapeutic strategies which focus on inhibition of cytokine action. For example, specific antagonists of TNFα (monoclonal antibodies, soluble receptors) are now used successfully in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and Chrones disease.

[0010] As potent negative regulators of cytokine signalling SOCS proteins provide for a new approach to the treatment of cytokine mediated disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Targeted over-expression of SOCS proteins (i.e. SOCS proteins as gene therapeutics) should turn off cytokine signalling and ameliorate cytokine-mediated disease. Rheumatoid arthritis represents a useful example. When over-expressed, SOCS-1 has been demonstrated to interact with and inhibit the activity of JAKs. JAK activation and subsequent action represents an important downstream event in signalling through both IL-6 and GM-CSF receptors. Furthermore SOCS-1 has also been demonstrated to be a potent antagonist of TNFα mediated activities. In work leading up to the present invention, the inventors reasoned that over-expression of SOCS-1 could be expected to interfere in IL-6, GM-CSF and TNF signalling, all key mediators of rheurmatoid arthritis.

[0011] For SOCS therapeutics to be effective, it is likely that they will need to be expressed at a high level such as being over-expressed in the majority of target cells within a pathological lesion Gene based therapies clearly represent the best way to achieve this, with viral vectors such as adenovirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV) and retrovirus likely to represent the delivery mechanism of choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Nucleotide and amino acid sequences are referred to by a sequence identifier number (SEQ ID NO:). The SEQ ED NOs: correspond numerically to the sequence identifiers <400>1, <400>2, etc. A sequence listing is provided after the claims.

[0013] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comiprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers.

[0014] The present invention is predicated in part on the use of genetic therapeutic protocols to increase, enhance or otherwise facilitate expression of nucleotide sequences encoding a SOCS molecule in a cell. Overexpression of such nucleotide sequences thereby elevates levels of the SOCS protein or other expression products (e.g. mRNA or spliced out introns from mRNA encoded by genomic DNA). The “over-expression” in this context means, in one particular embodiment, a level of expression statistically greater than a standardized normal control. However, the present invention also contemplates maintenance of normal expression levels. The “level” of expression may readily be determined by, for example, nuclear run-on analysis or determination of SOCS protein levels amongst other methods.

[0015] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention contemplates a method for modulating cytokine or hormone signalling in an animal, said method comprising up-regulating expression of a genetic sequence encoding a SOCS protein or its derivative or homolog in said animal.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of modulating cytokine or hormone signalling in an animal and in particular a human, said method comprising up-regulating expression of a genetic sequence encoding a SOCS protein in said animal and wherein said SOCS protein comprises a protein molecule interacting region such as but not limited to an SH2 domain, WD-40 repeats and/or ankyrin repeats, N terminal of a SOCS box, wherein said SOCS box comprises the amino acid sequence:

X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂ X₁₃X₁₄X₁₅X₁₆[X_(i)]_(n)X₁₇X₁₈X₁₉X₂₀X₂₁X₂₂X₂₃[X_(j)] X₂₄X₂₅X₂₆X₂₇X₂₈

[0017] wherein:

[0018] X₁ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0019] X₂ is any amino acid residue;

[0020] X₃ is P, T or S;

[0021] X₄ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0022] X₅ is any amino acid;

[0023] X₆ is any amino acid;

[0024] X₇ is L, I, V, M, A, F, Y or W;

[0025] X₈ is C, T or S;

[0026] X₉ is R, K or H;

[0027] X₁₀ is any amino acid;

[0028] X₁₁ is any amino acid;

[0029] X₁₂ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0030] X₁₃ is any amino acid;

[0031] X₁₄ is any amino acid;

[0032] X₁₅ is any amino acid;

[0033] X₁₆ is L, I, V, M, A, P, G, C, T or S;

[0034] [X_(i)]_(n) is a sequence of n amino acids wherein u is from 1 to 50 amino acids and wherein the sequence X_(i) may comprise the same or different amino acids selected from any amino acid residue;

[0035] X₁₇ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0036] X₁₈ is any amino acid;

[0037] X₁₉ is any amino acid;

[0038] X₂₀ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0039] X₂₁ is P;

[0040] X₂₂ is 1L, I, V, M, A, P or G;

[0041] [X_(j)]_(n) is a sequence of n amino acids wherein n is from 0 to 50 amino acids and wherein the X_(i) may comprise the same or different amino acids selected from any amino acid residue,

[0042] X₂₄ is L, V, A or P;

[0043] X₂₅ is any amino acid;

[0044] X₂₆ is any amino acid,

[0045] X₂₇ is Y or F;

[0046] X₂₈ is L, I, V, M, A or P.

[0047] Still another aspect of the present invention contemplates a method for controlling cytokine or hormone signalling, such as pro-inflammatory cytokine signalling (i.e. 16, GM-CSF, TNFα), in an animal such as a human or livestock animal, said method comprising modulating expression of a genetic sequence encoding a SOCS protein comprising a SOCS box and a protein molecule interacting region N-terminal of said SOCS box wherein said SOCS box comprises the amino acid sequence;

X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅X₆X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄X₁₅X₁₆[X_(i)]_(n)X₁₇X₁₈X₁₉X₂₀X₂₁X₂₂X₂₃[X_(j)]_(n)X₂₄X₂₅X₂₆X₂₇X₂₈

[0048] wherein:

[0049] X₁ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0050] X₂ is any amino acid residue;

[0051] X₃ is P, T or S;

[0052] X₄ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0053] X₅ is any amino acid;

[0054] X₆ is any amino acid;

[0055] X₇ is L, I, V, M, A, F, Y or W;

[0056] X₈ is C, T or S;

[0057] X₉ is R, K or H;

[0058] X₁₀ is amino acid;

[0059] X₁₁ is any amino acid;

[0060] X₁₂ is L, V, M, A or P;

[0061] X₁₃ is any amino acid;

[0062] X₁₄ is any amino acid;

[0063] X₁₅ is any amino acid;

[0064] X₁₆ is L, I, V, M, A, P, G, C, T or S;

[0065] [X_(i)]_(n) is a sequence of n amino acids wherein n is from 1 to 50 amino acids and wherein the sequence X_(i) may comprise the same or different amino acids selected from any amino acid residue;

[0066] X₁₇ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0067] X₁₈ is any amino acid;

[0068] X₁₉ is any amino acid;

[0069] X₂₀ is L, I, V, A or P;

[0070] X₂₁ is P;

[0071] X₂₂ is L, I, V, M, A, P or G;

[0072] X₂₃ is P or N;

[0073] [X₂₄]_(n) is a sequence of n amino acids wherein n is from 0 to 50 amino acids and wherein the X_(j) may comprise the same or different amino acids selected from any amino acid residue;

[0074] X₂₄ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0075] X₂₅ is any amino acid;

[0076] X₂₆ is amino acid;

[0077] X₂₇ is Y or F;

[0078] X₂₈ is L, I, V, M, A or P.

[0079] Yet another aspect of the present invention contemplates a method for controlling cytokine or hormone signaling in an animal such as human or livestock animal, said method comprising administering to said animal a genetic molecule encoding a SOCS protein for a time and under conditions sufficient to modulate growth hormone signaling.

[0080] Another aspect of the present invention contemplates a method for the treatment of cytokine-mediated disease in an animal, said method comprising modulating cytokine or hormone signalling in an animal by up-regulating the expression of a genetic sequence encoding a SOCS protein or its derivative or homologue in said animal.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the SOCS gene is expressed at a high level such as being overexpressed.

[0082] A summary of sequence identifiers used throughout the subject specification is provided below.

SUMMARY OF SEQUENCE IDENTIFIERS

[0083] SEQUENCE ID NO: DESCRIPTION 1 Mouse SOCS-1 (nucleotide) 2 Mouse SOCS-1 (amino acid) 3 Mouse SOCS-3 (nucleotide) 4 Mouse SOCS-3 (amino acid) 5 Human SOCS-1 (nucleotide) 6 Human SOCS-1 (amino acid) 7 Rat SOCS-1 (nucleotide) S Rat SOCS-1 (amino acid) 9 Primer 10 Primer 11 Primer 12 Primer 13 Primer 14 Primer

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0084]FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of SOCS-1^(+/+) IFN-γ^(−/−)mice (▪) compared to SOCS-1^(+/+) IFN-γ^(−/−) (□) mice following injection of BSA and L-1 subcutaneously to knee joints in three daily injections. A histological score was measured in oxodate, synovitis, pannus, cartilage and bone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0085] One aspect of the present invention contemplates a method for modulating cytokine or hormone signalling in an animal, said method comprising up-regulating expression of a genetic sequence encoding a SOCS protein or its derivative or homolog in said animal.

[0086] Reference herein to “SOCS” encompasses any or all members of the SOCS family. Specific SOCS molecules may be defined numerically such as, for example, SOCS-1, SOCS-2 and SOCS-3. The species from which the SOCS has been obtained may be indicated by a preface of single letter abbreviation where “h” is human, “m” is mouse and “r” is rat. Accordingly, “mSOCS-2”, for ale, is a specific SOCS from a murine animal. Reference herein to “SOCS” is not to imply that the protein solely suppresses cytokine-mediated signal transduction, as the molecule may modulate other effector-mediated signal transductions such as by hormones or other endogenous or exogenous molecules, antigen, microbes and microbial products, viruses or components thereof, ions, hormones and parasites. The to “modulates” encompasses up-regulation as well as at least maintenance of particular levels. Preferably, the expression is up-regulated. Reference herein to “murine” includes both mouse and rat.

[0087] Reference herein to a “hormone” includes protein hormones as well as non-proteinaceous hormones. One particularly useful hormone is growth hormone. Another useful hormones are insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and prolactin. A cytokine refers to any cytokine or cytokine-like molecule such as interleukin (e.g. IL-1, IL-6), tumour necrosis factor (e.g. TNFα), a colony stimulating factor (e.g. GM-CSF) or an interferon.

[0088] An “animal” is preferably a mammal such as but not limited to a human, primate, livestock animal (e.g. sheep, cow, pig, horse, donkey), laboratory test animal (e.g. rabbit, mouse, rat, guinea pig), companion animal (e.g. cat, dog) or captive wild animal. The annual may be in the form of an animal model. Useful animals for this purpose are laboratory test animals. Genetically modifying livestock animals is useful in assisting in food production The preferred animal is a human, primate animal or laboratory test animal The most preferred animal is a human.

[0089] Reference herein to “SOCS” includes a protein comprising a SOCS box in its C-terminal region comprising the amino acid sequence:

X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅X₆X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄X₁₅X₁₆[X_(i)]_(n)X₁₇X₁₈X₁₉X₂₀X₂₁X₂₂X₂₃[X_(j)]_(n)X₂₄X₂₅X₂₆X₂₇X₂₈

[0090] wherein:

[0091] X₁ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0092] X₂ is any amino acid residue;

[0093] X₃ is P, T or S;

[0094] X₄ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0095] X₅ is any amino acid;

[0096] X₆ is any amino acid;

[0097] X₇ is L, I, V, M, A, F, Y or W;

[0098] X₈ is C, T or S;

[0099] X₉ is R, K or I;

[0100] X₁₀ is any amino acid;

[0101] X₁₁ is any amino acid;

[0102] X₁₂ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0103] X₁₃ is any amino acid;

[0104] X₁₄ is any amino acid;

[0105] X₁₅ is any amino acid;

[0106] X₁₆ is L, I, V, M, A, P, G, C, T or S;

[0107] [X_(i)]_(n) is a sequence of n amino acids wherein n is from 1 to 50 amino acids and wherein the sequence X_(i) may comprise the same or different amino acids selected from any in acid residue;

[0108] X₁₇ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0109] X₁₈ is amino acid;

[0110] X₁₉ is any amino acid;

[0111] X₂₀ is L, V, M, A or P;

[0112] X₂₁ is P;

[0113] X₂₂ is L, I, V, W, A, P or G;

[0114] X₂₃ is P or N,

[0115] [X_(j)]_(n) is a sequence of n amino acids wherein n is from 0 to 50 amino acids and wherein the X_(j) may comprise the same or different amino acids selected from any amino acid residue;

[0116] X₂₄ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0117] X₂₅ is any amino acid;

[0118] X₂₆ is any amino acid;

[0119] X₂₇ is Y or F;

[0120] X₂₈ is L, I, V, M, A or P.

[0121] The SOCS protein also comprises a protein:molecule interacting region such as but not limited to one or more of an SH2 domain, WD-40 repeats and/or ankyrin repeats, N-terminal of the SOCS box.

[0122] In an important aspect, the present invention contemplates un-regulating expression of a nucleotide sequence encoding a SOCS protein in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatic arthritis.

[0123] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of modulating cytokine or hormone signalling in an animal and in particular a human, said method comprising up-regulating expression of a genetic sequence encoding a SOCS protein in said anima and wherein said SOCS protein comprises a protein:molecule interacting region such as but not limited to an SE domain, WD-40 repeats and/or ankyrin repeats, N terminal of a SOCS box, wherein said SOCS box comprises the amino acid sequence:

X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅X₆X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄X₁₅X₁₆[X_(i)]_(n)X₁₇X₁₈X₁₉X₂₀X₂₁X₂₂X₂₃[X_(j)]_(n)X₂₄X₂₆X₂₇X₂₈

[0124] wherein:

[0125] X₁ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0126] X₂ is any amino acid residue;

[0127] X₃ is P, T or S;

[0128] X₄ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0129] X₅ is any amino acid;

[0130] X₆ is any amino acid;

[0131] X₇ is L, I, M, A, F, Y or W;

[0132] X₈ is C, T or S;

[0133] X₉ is R, K or H;

[0134] X₁₀ is any amino acid;

[0135] X₁₁ is any amino acid;

[0136] X₁₂ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0137] X₁₃ is any amino acid;

[0138] X₁₄ is any amino acid;

[0139] X₁₅ is any amino acid;

[0140] X₁₆ is L, I, V, M, A, P, G, T or S;

[0141] [X_(i)]_(n) is a sequence of n amino acids wherein n is from 1 to 50 amino acids and wherein the sequence X_(i) may comprise the same or different amino acids selected from any amino acid residue;

[0142] X₁₇ is L, V, M, A or P;

[0143] X₁₈ is any amino acid;

[0144] X₁₉ is any amino acid;

[0145] X₂₀ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0146] X₂₁ is P;

[0147] X₂₂ is L, I, V, M A, P or G;

[0148] X₂₃ is P or N;

[0149] [X_(j)]_(n) is a sequence of n amino acids wherein n is from 0 to 50 amino acids and wherein the X_(j); may comprise the same or different amino acids selected from any amino acid residue;

[0150] X₂₄ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0151] X₂₅ is any amino acid;

[0152] X₂₆ is any amino acid;

[0153] X₂₇ is Y or F;

[0154] X₂₈ is L, I, V, M, A or P.

[0155] The present invention extends to any SOCS molecule such as those disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/AU99/00729 [WO 98/20023] which is incorporated herein by reference. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to manipulating levels of SOCS-1, which murine form (mSOCS-1) comprises the nucleotide and corresponding amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:2, respectively. The present invention is hereinafter described with reference to murine SOCS-1 (mSOCS-1), however, this is done with the understanding that the present invention encompasses the manipulation of levels of any SOCS molecule, such as but not limited to films SOCS-2 (hSOCS-2). Reference herein to a “SOCS” molecule such as SOCS-1 includes any mutants thereof such as functional mutants. An example of a mutant is a single or multiple amino acid substitution, addition and/or deletion or truncation to the SOCS molecule or its corresponding DNA or RNA Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention contemplates a method for controlling cytokine or hormone signaling such as pro-inflammatory cytokine signalling (i.e. IL-6, GM-CSF, TNFα), in an animal such as a human or livestock animal, said method comprising modulating expression of a genetic sequence encoding a SOCS protein comprising a SOCS box and a protein:molecule interacting region N-terminal of said SOCS box wherein said SOCS box comprises the amino acid sequence:

X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅X₆X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄X₁₅X₁₆[X_(i)]_(n)X₁₇X₁₈X₁₉X₂₀X₂₁X₂₂X₂₃[X_(j)]_(n)X₂₄X₂₆X₂₇X₂₈

[0156] wherein:

[0157] X₁ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0158] X₂ is any amino acid residue;

[0159] X₃ is P, T or S;

[0160] X₄ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0161] X₅ is any amino acid;

[0162] X₆ is any amino acid;

[0163] X₇ is L, I, M, A, F, Y or W;

[0164] X₈ is C, T or S;

[0165] X₉ is R, K or H;

[0166] X₁₀ is any amino acid;

[0167] X₁₁ is any amino acid;

[0168] X₁₂ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0169] X₁₃ is any amino acid;

[0170] X₁₄ is any amino acid;

[0171] X₁₅ is any amino acid;

[0172] X₁₆ is L, I, V, M, A, P, G, T or S;

[0173] [X_(i)]_(n) is a sequence of n amino acids wherein n is from 1 to 50 amino acids and wherein the sequence X_(i) may comprise the same or different amino acids selected from any amino acid residue;

[0174] X₁₇ is L, V, M, A or P;

[0175] X₁₈ is any amino acid;

[0176] X₁₉ is any amino acid;

[0177] X₂₀ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0178] X₂₁ is P;

[0179] X₂₂ is L, I, V, M A, P or G;

[0180] X₂₃ is P or N;

[0181] [X_(j)]_(n) is a sequence of n amino acids wherein n is from 0 to 50 amino acids and wherein the X_(j); may comprise the same or different amino acids selected from any amino acid residue;

[0182] X₂₄ is L, I, V, M, A or P;

[0183] X₂₅ is any amino acid;

[0184] X₂₆ is any amino acid;

[0185] X₂₇ is Y or P;

[0186] X₂₈ is L, I, M, A or P.

[0187] Preferably, the SOCS protein-encoding genetic sequence comprises a nucleotide sequence substantially as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:7 or a nucleotide sequence having at least 60% similarity hereto or a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing to SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:7 or its complementary form under low stringency conditions at 42° C. Even more preferably, the SOCS protein in a human homolog of the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:7.

[0188] The term “similarity” as used herein includes exact identity between compared sequences at the nucleotide or amino acid level. Where there is non-identity at the nucleotide level, “similarity” includes differences between sequences which result in different amino acids tat are nevertheless related to each other at the structural, functional, biochemical and/or conformational levels. Where there is non-identity at the amino acid level, “similarity” includes amino acids that are nevertheless related to each other at the structural, functional, biochemical and/or conformational levels. In a particularly preferred embodiment, nucleotide and sequence comparisons are made at the level of identity rather than similarity.

[0189] Terms used to describe sequence relationships between two or more polynucleotides or polypeptides include “reference sequence”, “comparison window”, “sequence similarity”, “sequence identity”, “percentage of sequence similarity”, “percentage of sequence identity”, “substantially similarity” and “substantial identity”. A “reference sequence” is at least 12 but frequently 15 to 18 and often at least 25 or above, such as 30 monomer units, inclusive of nucleotides and amino acid residues, in length. Because two polynucleotides may each comprise (1) a sequence (i.e. only a portion of the complete polynucleotide sequence) that is similar between the two polynucleotides, and (2) a sequence that is divergent between the two polynucleotides, sequence comparisons between two (or more) polynucleotides are typically performed by comparing sequences of the two polynucleotides over a “comparison window” to identify and compare local regions of sequence similarity. A “comparison window” refers to a conceptual segment of typically 12 contiguous residues that is compared to a reference sequence. The comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e. gaps) of about 20% or less as compared to the reference sequence (which does not comprise additions or deletions) for optimal alignment of the two sequences. Optimal alignment of sequences for aligning a comparison window may be conducted by computerized implementations of algorithms (GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package Release 7.0, Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Drive Madison, Wis., USA) or by inspection and the best alignment (i.e. resulting in the highest percentage homology over the comparison window) generated by any of the various methods selected. Reference also may be made to the BLAST family of programs as, for example, disclosed by Altschul et al. (2). A detailed discussion of sequence analysis can be found in Unit 19.3 of Ausubel et al. (3).

[0190] The terms “sequence similarity” and “sequence identity” as used herein refers to the extent that sequences are identical or functionally or structurally similar on a nucleotide-by-nucleotide basis or an amino acid-by-amino acid basis over a window of comparison. Thus, a percentage of “sequence identity”, for example, is calculated by comparing two optimally aligned sequences over the window of comparison, determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid base (e.g. A, T, C, G, I) or the identical amino acid residue (e.g. Ala, Pro, Ser, Thr, Gly, Val, Leu, Ile, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Lys, Arg, His, Asp, Glu, Asn, Gln, Cys and Met) occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the window of comparison (i.e., the window size), and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity. For the purposes of the present invention, “sequence identity” will be understood to mean the “match percentage” calculated by the DNASIS computer program (Version 2.5 for windows; available from Hitachi Software engineering Co., Ltd., South San Francisco, Calif. USA) using standard defaults as used in the reference manual accompanying the software. Similar comments apply in relation to sequence similarity.

[0191] Reference herein to a low stringency includes and encompasses from at least about 0 to at least about 15% v/v formamide and from at least about 1 M to at least about 2 M salt for hybridization, and at least about 1 M to at least about 2 M salt for washing conditions.

[0192] Generally, low stringency is at from about 25-30° C. to about 42° C. The temperature may be altered and higher temperatures used to replace formamide and/or to give alternative stringency conditions. Alternative stringency conditions may be applied where necessary, such as medium stringency, which includes and encompasses from at least about 16% v/V to at least about 30% V/v formamide and from at least about 0.5 M to at least about 0.9 M salt for hybridization, and at least about 0.5 M to at least about 0.9 M salt for washing conditions, or high stringency, which includes and encompasses from at least about 31% v/v to at least about 50% v/v formamide and from at least about 0.01 M to at least about 0.15 M salt for hybridization, and at least about 0.01 M to at least about 0.15 M salt for washing conditions. In general, washing is carried out T_(m) 69.3+0.41 (G+C)% (4). However, the T_(m) of a duplex DNA decreases by 1° C. with every increase of 1% in the number of mismatch base pairs (5). Formamide is optional in these hybridization conditions. Accordingly, particularly preferred levels of stringency are defined as follows: low stringency is 6×SSC buffer, 0.1% w/v SDS at 2542° C.; a moderate stringency is 2×SSC buffer, 0.1% w/v SDS at a temperature in the range 20° C. to 65° C.; high stringency is 0.1×SSC buffer, 0.1% w/v SDS at a temperature of at least 65° C.

[0193] Most preferably, an expression vector is administered capable of expressing high levels of a SOCS gene.

[0194] Another aspect of the present invention contemplates a method for the treatment of cytokine-mediated disease in an animal, said method comprising modulating cytokine or hormone signalling in an animal by up-regulating the expression of a genetic sequence encoding a SOCS protein or its derivative or homolog in said animal.

[0195] In accordance with the this and other aspects of the present invention, the expression of a genetic sequence encoding a SOCS protein is preferably unregulated by the administration to the animal of an expression vector comprising a SOCS gene.

[0196] The present invention contemplates a range of derivatives of the SOCS molecule.

[0197] A “derivative” includes a part, portion or fragment thereof such as a molecule comprising a single or multiple amino acid substitution, deletion and/or addition. A “homolog” includes a functionally similar molecule from either the same species or another species.

[0198] Other derivatives contemplated by the present invention include a range of glycosylation variants from a completely unglycosylated molecule to a modified glycosylated molecule. Altered glycosylation patterns may result from expression of recombinant molecules in different host cells.

[0199] The present invention provides, therefore, the genetic control of SOCS levels in animals in the treatment of a range of physiological conditions. Preferably, the level of SOCS protein is increased by the administration of an expression vector comprising the SOCS gene.

[0200] Preferably, the expression vector is a viral vector, such as an adenovirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV) or retrovimus, although other vectors, including plasmid-based vectors, are contemplated.

[0201] Preferably, the genetic sequence encoding a SOCS protein is the SOCS-i genetic sequence encoding the SOCS-1 protein.

[0202] For example, compositions comprising antisense RNA or sense or antisense DNA, ribozymes or sense molecules (for co-suppression) may be administered either locally or systemically to manipulate expression of SOCS genes or translation of SOCS mRNA.

[0203] The present invention is further described by the following non-limiting Examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Construction of Recombinant Adenovirus for Expression of Selected SOCS Proteins

[0204] Recombinant human adenovirus type 5 expressing selected SOCS proteins (for analysis in mouse models of disease mouse SOCS proteins are preferable) are generated following recombination between an adenovirus shuttle vector, into which a SOCS encoding cDNA has been cloned, and a mutant adenovirus. The E1 region has been deleted in the mutant adenovirus rendering it incapable of replication except in a packaging cell line that complements the defect (for example, human 293 cells expressing viral E1A and E1B proteins). Recombination, and subsequent selection of recombinants, can be carried out in the packaging cell line but a bacterial system, referred to as the pAdEasy system is preferred (6)

[0205] The pAdEasy system is used to generate recombinant adenovirus expressing murine SOCS proteins by the following means.

[0206] Murine SOCS-1 cDNA is amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using the following primer set: 5′primer-ATATCTCGAGGCCACCATGGTAGCACGCAACCAGG [SEQ ID NO: 9]; 3′primer-ATATAAGCTTTCAGATCTGGAAGGGGAAGG [SEQ ID NO:10]. The 5′ primer contains a Kozak sequence and XhoI restriction site, while the 3′ primer contains a HindIII restriction site.

[0207] Murine SOCS-2 cDNA is amplified by PCR, using the following primer set: 5′ primer- [SEQ ID NO:11] 3′ primer - ATATGCGGCCGCGCCACCATGACCCTGCGGTGCCT; [SEQ ID NO:12] 5′ primer - ATATTCTAGATTATACCTGGAATTTATATTCTTCC.

[0208] contains a Kozak sequence and a NotI restriction site, and the 3′ primer contains a XbaI restriction site.

[0209] Murine SOCS-3 cDNA was amplified by PCR, using the following primer set: 5′ primer-TATAGCGGCCGCGCCACCATGGTCACCCACAGCAA [SEQ ID NO:13]; 3′ primer-ATATAAGCTTTTAAAGTGGAGCATCATACTA [SEQ ID NO:14]. The 5′ primer contains a Kozak sequence and a NotI restriction site, and the 3′ primer contains a HindIII restriction site.

[0210] All three SOCS genes are amplified under the same PCR conditions: one cycle at 96° C. for 2 mins then 35 cycles of 96° C. for 10 seconds, 55° C. for 10 seconds and 72° C. for 1 minute.

[0211] PCR products are cloned into the adenovirus shuttle vector, pShuttle-CMV, (6) by standard ligation reactions. Generation of recombinant adenovirus plasmids by homologous recombination is then carried out in the E. coli strain BJ5183 (6). 1 μg of pShuttle-CMV (containing selected SOCS gene) was linearized with PmeI restriction enzyme and purified with a DNA purification kit (Qiagen), then mixed with 100 ng of the adenovirus backbone plasmid; pAdEasy-1. The DNA was then electroporated into E.coli BJ5183, which was then plated out onto LB-agar plates containing 30/g/ml of kanamycin and left at 37° C. for 18 hrs. The smallest colonies were picked and grown in 2 ml LB broth containing 30 μg/ml of kanamycin and placed at 37° C. for 8 hrs. Adenovirus plasmid DNA was extracted from each culture and was screened for the presence of recombinant adenoviral DNA by restriction enzyme digestion in comparison with pAdEasy-1. Direct sequencing of the recombinant adenovirus DNA clones confirmed the presence of SOCS encoding sequence.

[0212] Production of recombinant adenovirus for in vivo studies is carried out in 293 cells (viral E1 transformed). 93 cells are cultured in 25 cm² flasks, in OptiMEM media (Gibco BRL), at 37° C. and 10% CO₂ until they are 70% confluent 4 μg of recombinant adenovirus, digested with the Pac1 restriction enzyme, is transfected into 293 cells with, Lipofectamine (Gibco-BRL), according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cells are left for 7-10 days and then harvested by scrapping cells off the bottom of the flask into PBS. Cells are subjected to 5 cycles of a freeze/thawing, and the supernatant can then be used to infect more 293 cells to build up viral stocks. Cell lysis should be evident in the majority of cells approximately 3 days post infection, and should be harvested as described above.

[0213] To purify the recombinant adenovirus, the infected 293 cells are harvested and spun at 7000 g 4° C. for 10 minutes. The supernatant is discarded and the cells are resuspended in 10 ml of PBS and subject to 5 cycles of a freeze/thawing. The recombinant adenovirus is then purified through a CsCl gradient, comprising two layers of 1.5 ml and 2.5 ml at densities of 1.45 g/ml and 1.25 g/ml respectively. The CsCl is made-up in 5 mM Tris Cl, 1 mM EDTA pH 7.8. The CsCl gradient containing the recombinant adenovirus spun at 90,000 g for 2 hrs and the virus fraction collected with a 19-gauge needle.

[0214] The adenovirus is subject to a second round of CsCl purification. The adenovirus is diluted in CsCl solution at a density of 1.33 g/ml and centrifuged at 105 g for 18 hrs. The adenovirus is recovered with a 19-gauge needle and then placed through a G-25 Sephadex column (Amersham) and the virus fractions collected in PBS containing 10% glycerol. The recombinant adenovirus can then be stored at −70° C. until ready for use.

EXAMPLE 2 Adenovirus Expressing SOCS-1 have a Beneficial Therapeutic Effect in a Mouse Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis

[0215] Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is a model of chronic arthritis that is induced following intradermal immunization of mice with collagen in Complete Freund's Adjuvant. It affects articular joints and is characterized by synovial hyperplasia and inflammation, pannus formation and progressive cartilage and bone degradation. The importance of individual cytokines such as GM-CSF and TNFα in CIA has been extensively studied by antibody neutralisation in vivo over the course of disease or by initiating disease in cytokine gene knockout mice.

[0216] For induction of CIA, type II collagen (of bovine or chick origin for example) is dissolved to a concentration of 2 mg/ml in 10 mM acetic acid (overnight at 4° C.) then emulsified in an equal volume of Complete Freunds Adjuvant. Male DBA/1 mice are injected intradermally at several sights into the base of the tail with a total of 100 microliters of the emulsion containing 100 micrograms of collagen. On day 21 mice are given an intraperitoneal booster injection of 100 microgram of type 11 collagen dissolved in phosphate buffered saline with onset of arthritis occurring at around day 25-28.

[0217] Just prior to expected onset of CIA, mice are scored visually for appearance of arthritis. Mice without macroscopic signs of arthritis in their paws are selected for treatment groups. Alternatively, to study the impact of treatment on existing disease, mice can be left for longer and those that develop overt arthritis selected for treatment groups.

[0218] For treatment selected mice are anaesthetized and a small incision in the skin of the knee joint is performed for the intra-articular injection procedure. Intra-articular injection is performed with 10⁷/6 microlitre of either a SOCS-1 (or other SOCS protein) expressing or an empty or β-galactosidase expressing control recombinant adenovirus. At days 1, 5, 10 and 20 after treatment mice are sacrificed and the skin of the knee joint removed. The appearance of arthritis was assessed and severity score was recorded as per routine methods described elsewhere (7). For histological assessment whole knee joints are removed, fixed, decalcified and paraffin embedded Tissue sections are stained with hematoxylin and eosin and evaluated without knowledge of the treatment groups. Histological changes can be scored according to standard methods. For example, infiltration of cells is scored on a scale of 0-3, depending on the amount of inflammatory cells in the synovial cavity (exudate) and synovial tissue (infiltrate). A characteristic parameter in CIA is the progressive loss of bone. This destruction can be graded on a scale of 0-3, ranging from no damage to complete loss of bone structure. Additional analysis may encompass, for example, immunohistological determination of other cell surface/tissue specific markers of disease progression and severity.

[0219] Over-expression of SOCS-1 (or other selected SOCS proteins) within the joint may decrease both incidence and severity of CIA and his may be reflected in histological analysis where cellular-accumulation within the joint and/or the level of bone and cartilage destruction is significantly ameliorated

EXAMPLE 3 Analysis of Arthritis in an Animal Model Demonstrates a Regulatory Role for SOCS-1 and Supports the Use of SOCS-Based Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Human Inflammatory Disease

[0220] Genetically modified mice with a targeted deletion of the SOCS-1 gene (SOCS-1^(−/−)) die within 3 weeks of birth. The primary mediator of this lethal phenotype is interferon-γ. SOCS-1^(−/−) animals crossed onto an IFN-γ^(−/−) background survive as do SOCS-1^(−/−) treated with an antibody that inhibits IFN-γ activity. SOCS-1-^(−/−)IFN-γ^(−/−) mice are ideal for studying the role of SOCS-1 in the development of various disease pathologies. In the present example, the role of SOCS-1 in regulating the activity of the pr-inflammatory cytokines responsible for the development of arthritis was assessed,

[0221] SOCS-1^(+/+) IFN-γ^(−/−) and SOCS-1^(−/−) IFN-γ^(−/−) mice were anaesthetiZed and injected intra-articularly into the knee joint with 10 id of a 20 mg/ml solution of methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA). At the same time, mice were also injected with 250 ng recombinant human IL-1β subcutaneously into the rear footpad The IL-1 injection was repeated on the next 2 days. The mice were sacrificed on day 7 and the knee joints fixed in 10% v/v neutral buffered formalin for at least 2 days, decalcified and embedded in pal Frontal sections of the knee joints were cut at 4 depths, approximately 100 μm apart and stained with haemotoxylin and eosin.

[0222] Assessment of Arthritis:

[0223] Joint pathology was assessed in a blinded manner and 5 parameters of arthritis were graded for severity from 0 (normal) to 5 (severe). Exudate was scored according to the presence and relative numbers of inflammatory cells and fibrin-like debris in the joint space. Synovitis was defined as thickening of the synovial lining layer and soft tissue inflammation in the infrapatellar fat pad, joint capsule and the area adjacent to the periosteal sheath Pannus was defined as the encroachment of hyperplastic synovium over the articular surface or at the cartilage-bone junction. Cartilage degradation was evaluated on patellofemoral and tibiofemoral articular surfaces. Done degradation was evaluated as the extent and depth of subchondral and periosteal bone erosion. The Mann-Whitney 2-sample rank test was used to compare mean histologic scores of test and control groups.

[0224] The results demonstrate a role for SOCS-1 in down-regulating/controlling the development of arthritis, in this model of the disease. SOCS-1^(−/−)IFN-γ^(−/−) animals develop more severe arthritis gm control SOCS-1^(+/+)IFN-γ^(−/−) animals (FIG. 1). The severity of the disease in the SOCS-1^(+/+)IFN-γ^(−/−) animals was identical to that routinely observed in wildtype controls (not shown) indicating that the lack of functional SOCS-1 and not INF-γ was responsible for the exacerbation in disease phenotype. Given the clearly demonstrated role for SOCS-1 in the negative regulation of cytokine signalling it is assumed that the exacerbation of disease is the result of the increased activity of proinflammatory cytokines. Over-expression of SOCS-1, following SOCS-1 based gone therapy would inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine activity and thus ameliorate disease pathology.

[0225] The results are shown in tabular form in Table 1 and graphically in FIG. 1.

[0226] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features. TABLE 1 Exudate Synovitis Pannus Cartilage loss Bone loss 2980 3 3.75 2.5 2.5 2.5 14.25 2981 3.33 4.67 2.33 2 1.67 14 2982 3 4 3.25 2.5 3.25 16 2983 3 3.75 3 2.5 2.75 15 2984 3 3 2.5 2.75 2 13.25 2985 3.25 3.5 2 1.25 1 11 Average 3.096666667 3.77833333 2.59666667 2.25 2.195 13.9166667 Std. 0.062003584 0.22576413 0.18577166 0.2236068 0.32943133 0.69721669 Dev. 2986 2 2.25 1.25 1 1.25 7.75 2987 2 3 3 2.25 2.75 13 2988 1 2 1.75 2 1.25 8 2989 2 4 2.75 2 2 12.75 2990 2 3.75 1.75 15 2 11 2991 1.5 2.5 2.75 2.5 2 11.25 2992 2.5 3 2 1.25 1.75 10.5 2993 1 2 2 1 1.5 7.5 2994 2 2.75 2.75 2 1.5 11 2995 2 3 1.75 15 1 9.25 Average 1.8 2.825 2.175 1.7 1.7 10.2 Std. Dev 0.152752523 0.21424934 0.18652524 0.16583124 0.16158933 0.63113654 2996 4 4.75 3.5 2.75 2.5 17.5 2997 2.5 4 4 2.5 3.5 16.5 2998 4 5 4 3.5 3.5 20 2999 4 5 4 3.25 3.25 19.5 3000 3 4.5 3.5 3 3 17 3001 2 2.5 2.5 2 2 11 Average 3.25 4.29166667 3.58333333 2.83333333 2.95833333 16.9166667 Std. Dev 0.359397644 0.3895332 0.23863035 0.22047928 0.24509069 1.31286371 Ttest 0.000736214 0.0028622 0.00038333 0.00099983 0.0005242 0.00013435

BIBLIOGRAPHY

[0227] 1. Moriata et al., PNAS 97: 5405-5410, 2000.

[0228] 2. Altschul et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 25:3389.1997.

[0229] 3. Ausubel et al., “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology” John Wiley & Sons Inc, 1994-1998, Chapter 15.

[0230] 4. Bonner and Laskey, Eur. J. Biochem. 46: 83, 1974.

[0231] 5. Marmur and Doty, J. Mol. Biol. 5: 109, 1962.

[0232] 6. He et al., PNAS 95: 2509-2514, 1998.

[0233] 7. Campbell et al., Annals. Rheum. Dis. 56: 364-368, 1997.

1 14 1 1235 DNA murine CDS (161)..(799) 1 cgaggctcaa gctccgggcg gattctgcgt gccgctctcg ctccttgggg tctgttggcc 60 ggcctgtgcc acccggacgc ccggctcact gcctctgtct cccccatcag cgcagccccg 120 gacgctatgg cccacccctc cagctggccc ctcgagtagg atg gta gca cgc aac 175 Met Val Ala Arg Asn 1 5 cag gtg gca gcc gac aat gcg atc tcc ccg gca gca gag ccc cga cgg 223 Gln Val Ala Ala Asp Asn Ala Ile Ser Pro Ala Ala Glu Pro Arg Arg 10 15 20 cgg tca gag ccc tcc tcg tcc tcg tct tcg tcc tcg cca gcg gcc ccc 271 Arg Ser Glu Pro Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Pro Ala Ala Pro 25 30 35 gtg cgt ccc cgg ccc tgc ccg gcg gtc cca gcc cca gcc cct ggc gac 319 Val Arg Pro Arg Pro Cys Pro Ala Val Pro Ala Pro Ala Pro Gly Asp 40 45 50 act cac ttc cgc acc ttc cgc tcc cac tcc gat tac cgg cgc atc acg 367 Thr His Phe Arg Thr Phe Arg Ser His Ser Asp Tyr Arg Arg Ile Thr 55 60 65 cgg acc agc gcg ctc ctg gac gcc tgc ggc ttc tat tgg gga ccc ctg 415 Arg Thr Ser Ala Leu Leu Asp Ala Cys Gly Phe Tyr Trp Gly Pro Leu 70 75 80 85 agc gtg cac ggg gcg cac gag cgg ctg cgt gcc gag ccc gtg ggc acc 463 Ser Val His Gly Ala His Glu Arg Leu Arg Ala Glu Pro Val Gly Thr 90 95 100 ttc ttg gtg cgc gac agt cgt caa cgg aac tgc ttc ttc gcg ctc agc 511 Phe Leu Val Arg Asp Ser Arg Gln Arg Asn Cys Phe Phe Ala Leu Ser 105 110 115 gtg aag atg gct tcg ggc ccc acg agc atc cgc gtg cac ttc cag gcc 559 Val Lys Met Ala Ser Gly Pro Thr Ser Ile Arg Val His Phe Gln Ala 120 125 130 ggc cgc ttc cac ttg gac ggc agc cgc gag acc ttc gac tgc ctt ttc 607 Gly Arg Phe His Leu Asp Gly Ser Arg Glu Thr Phe Asp Cys Leu Phe 135 140 145 gag ctg ctg gag cac tac gtg gcg gcg ccg cgc cgc atg ttg ggg gcc 655 Glu Leu Leu Glu His Tyr Val Ala Ala Pro Arg Arg Met Leu Gly Ala 150 155 160 165 ccg ctg cgc cag cgc cgc gtg cgg ccg ctg cag gag ctg tgt cgc cag 703 Pro Leu Arg Gln Arg Arg Val Arg Pro Leu Gln Glu Leu Cys Arg Gln 170 175 180 cgc atc gtg gcc gcc gtg ggt cgc gag aac ctg gcg cgc atc cct ctt 751 Arg Ile Val Ala Ala Val Gly Arg Glu Asn Leu Ala Arg Ile Pro Leu 185 190 195 aac ccg gta ctc cgt gac tac ctg agt tcc ttc ccc ttc cag atc tga 799 Asn Pro Val Leu Arg Asp Tyr Leu Ser Ser Phe Pro Phe Gln Ile 200 205 210 ccggctgccg ctgtgccgca gcattaagtg ggggcgcctt attatttctt attattaatt 859 attattattt ttctggaacc acgtgggagc cctccccgcc tgggtcggag ggagtggttg 919 tggagggtga gatgcctccc acttctggct ggagacctca tcccacctct caggggtggg 979 ggtgctcccc tcctggtgct ccctccgggt cccccctggt tgtagcagct tgtgtctggg 1039 gccaggacct gaattccact cctacctctc catgtttaca tattcccagt atctttgcac 1099 aaaccagggg tcggggaggg tctctggctt catttttctg ctgtgcagaa tatcctattt 1159 tatattttta cagccagttt aggtaataaa ctttattatg aaagtttttt tttaaaagaa 1219 aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaa 1235 2 212 PRT murine 2 Met Val Ala Arg Asn Gln Val Ala Ala Asp Asn Ala Ile Ser Pro Ala 1 5 10 15 Ala Glu Pro Arg Arg Arg Ser Glu Pro Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser 20 25 30 Ser Pro Ala Ala Pro Val Arg Pro Arg Pro Cys Pro Ala Val Pro Ala 35 40 45 Pro Ala Pro Gly Asp Thr His Phe Arg Thr Phe Arg Ser His Ser Asp 50 55 60 Tyr Arg Arg Ile Thr Arg Thr Ser Ala Leu Leu Asp Ala Cys Gly Phe 65 70 75 80 Tyr Trp Gly Pro Leu Ser Val His Gly Ala His Glu Arg Leu Arg Ala 85 90 95 Glu Pro Val Gly Thr Phe Leu Val Arg Asp Ser Arg Gln Arg Asn Cys 100 105 110 Phe Phe Ala Leu Ser Val Lys Met Ala Ser Gly Pro Thr Ser Ile Arg 115 120 125 Val His Phe Gln Ala Gly Arg Phe His Leu Asp Gly Ser Arg Glu Thr 130 135 140 Phe Asp Cys Leu Phe Glu Leu Leu Glu His Tyr Val Ala Ala Pro Arg 145 150 155 160 Arg Met Leu Gly Ala Pro Leu Arg Gln Arg Arg Val Arg Pro Leu Gln 165 170 175 Glu Leu Cys Arg Gln Arg Ile Val Ala Ala Val Gly Arg Glu Asn Leu 180 185 190 Ala Arg Ile Pro Leu Asn Pro Val Leu Arg Asp Tyr Leu Ser Ser Phe 195 200 205 Pro Phe Gln Ile 210 3 2187 DNA murine CDS (18)..(695) 3 cgctggctcc gtgcgcc atg gtc acc cac agc aag ttt ccc gcc gcc ggg 50 Met Val Thr His Ser Lys Phe Pro Ala Ala Gly 1 5 10 atg agc cgc ccc ctg gac acc agc ctg cgc ctc aag acc ttc agc tcc 98 Met Ser Arg Pro Leu Asp Thr Ser Leu Arg Leu Lys Thr Phe Ser Ser 15 20 25 aaa agc gag tac cag ctg gtg gtg aac gcc gtg cgc aag ctg cag gag 146 Lys Ser Glu Tyr Gln Leu Val Val Asn Ala Val Arg Lys Leu Gln Glu 30 35 40 agc gga ttc tac tgg agc gcc gtg acc ggc ggc gag gcg aac ctg ctg 194 Ser Gly Phe Tyr Trp Ser Ala Val Thr Gly Gly Glu Ala Asn Leu Leu 45 50 55 ctc agc gcc gag ccc gcg ggc acc ttt ctt atc cgc gac agc tcg gac 242 Leu Ser Ala Glu Pro Ala Gly Thr Phe Leu Ile Arg Asp Ser Ser Asp 60 65 70 75 cag cgc cac ttc ttc acg ttg agc gtc aag acc cag tcg ggg acc aag 290 Gln Arg His Phe Phe Thr Leu Ser Val Lys Thr Gln Ser Gly Thr Lys 80 85 90 aac cta cgc atc cag tgt gag ggg ggc agc ttt tcg ctg cag agt gac 338 Asn Leu Arg Ile Gln Cys Glu Gly Gly Ser Phe Ser Leu Gln Ser Asp 95 100 105 ccc cga agc acg cag cca gtt ccc cgc ttc gac tgt gta ctc aag ctg 386 Pro Arg Ser Thr Gln Pro Val Pro Arg Phe Asp Cys Val Leu Lys Leu 110 115 120 gtg cac cac tac atg ccg cct cca ggg acc ccc tcc ttt tct ttg cca 434 Val His His Tyr Met Pro Pro Pro Gly Thr Pro Ser Phe Ser Leu Pro 125 130 135 ccc acg gaa ccc tcg tcc gaa gtt ccg gag cag cca cct gcc cag gca 482 Pro Thr Glu Pro Ser Ser Glu Val Pro Glu Gln Pro Pro Ala Gln Ala 140 145 150 155 ctc ccc ggg agt acc ccc aag aga gct tac tac atc tat tct ggg ggc 530 Leu Pro Gly Ser Thr Pro Lys Arg Ala Tyr Tyr Ile Tyr Ser Gly Gly 160 165 170 gag aag att ccg ctg gta ctg agc cga cct ctc tcc tcc aac gtg gcc 578 Glu Lys Ile Pro Leu Val Leu Ser Arg Pro Leu Ser Ser Asn Val Ala 175 180 185 acc ctc cag cat ctt tgt cgg aag act gtc aac ggc cac ctg gac tcc 626 Thr Leu Gln His Leu Cys Arg Lys Thr Val Asn Gly His Leu Asp Ser 190 195 200 tat gag aaa gtg acc cag ctg cct gga ccc att cgg gag ttc ctg gat 674 Tyr Glu Lys Val Thr Gln Leu Pro Gly Pro Ile Arg Glu Phe Leu Asp 205 210 215 cag tat gat gct cca ctt taa ggagcaaaag ggtcagaggg gggcctgggt 725 Gln Tyr Asp Ala Pro Leu 220 225 cggtcggtcg cctctcctcc gaggcacatg gcacaagcac aaaaatccag ccccaacggt 785 cggtagctcc cagtgagcca ggggcagatt ggcttcttcc tcaggccctc cactcccgca 845 gagtagagct ggcaggacct ggaattcgtc tgaggggagg gggagctgcc acctgctttc 905 ccccctcccc cagctccagc ttctttcaag tggagccagc cggcctggcc tggtgggaca 965 atacctttga caagcggact ctcccctccc cttcctccac accccctctg cttcccaagg 1025 gaggtgggga cacctccaag tgttgaactt agaactgcaa ggggaatctt caaactttcc 1085 cgctggaact tgtttgcgct ttgatttggt ttgatcaaga gcaggcacct gggggaagga 1145 tggaagagaa aagggtgtgt gaagggtttt tatgctggcc aaagaaataa ccactcccac 1205 tgcccaacct aggtgaggag tggtggctcc tggctctggg gagagtggca aggggtgacc 1265 tgaagagagc tatactggtg ccaggctcct ctccatgggg cagctaatga aacctcgcag 1325 atcccttgca ccccagaacc ctccccgttg tgaagaggca gtagcattta gaagggagac 1385 agatgaggct ggtgagctgg ccgccttttc caacaccgaa gggaggcaga tcaacagatg 1445 agccatcttg gagcccaggt ttcccctgga gcagatggag ggttctgctt tgtctctcct 1505 atgtggggct aggagactcg ccttaaatgc cctctgtccc agggatgggg attggcacac 1565 aaggagccaa acacagccaa taggcagaga gttgagggat tcacccaggt ggctacaggc 1625 caggggaagt ggctgcaggg gagagaccca gtcactccag gagactcctg agttaacact 1685 gggaagacat tggccagtcc tagtcatctc tcggtcagta ggtccgagag cttccaggcc 1745 ctgcacagcc ctcctttctc acctgggggg aggcaggagg tgatggagaa gccttcccat 1805 gccgctcaca ggggcctcac gggaatgcag cagccatgca attacctgga actggtcctg 1865 tgttggggag aaacaagttt tctgaagtca ggtatggggc tgggtggggc agctgtgtgt 1925 tggggtggct tttttctctc tgttttgaat aatgtttaca atttgcctca atcactttta 1985 taaaaatcca cctccagccc gcccctctcc ccactcaggc cttcgaggct gtctgaagat 2045 gcttgaaaaa ctcaaccaaa tcccagttca actcagactt tgcacatata tttatattta 2105 tactcagaaa agaaacattt cagtaattta taataaaaga gcactatttt ttaatgaaaa 2165 aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aa 2187 4 225 PRT murine 4 Met Val Thr His Ser Lys Phe Pro Ala Ala Gly Met Ser Arg Pro Leu 1 5 10 15 Asp Thr Ser Leu Arg Leu Lys Thr Phe Ser Ser Lys Ser Glu Tyr Gln 20 25 30 Leu Val Val Asn Ala Val Arg Lys Leu Gln Glu Ser Gly Phe Tyr Trp 35 40 45 Ser Ala Val Thr Gly Gly Glu Ala Asn Leu Leu Leu Ser Ala Glu Pro 50 55 60 Ala Gly Thr Phe Leu Ile Arg Asp Ser Ser Asp Gln Arg His Phe Phe 65 70 75 80 Thr Leu Ser Val Lys Thr Gln Ser Gly Thr Lys Asn Leu Arg Ile Gln 85 90 95 Cys Glu Gly Gly Ser Phe Ser Leu Gln Ser Asp Pro Arg Ser Thr Gln 100 105 110 Pro Val Pro Arg Phe Asp Cys Val Leu Lys Leu Val His His Tyr Met 115 120 125 Pro Pro Pro Gly Thr Pro Ser Phe Ser Leu Pro Pro Thr Glu Pro Ser 130 135 140 Ser Glu Val Pro Glu Gln Pro Pro Ala Gln Ala Leu Pro Gly Ser Thr 145 150 155 160 Pro Lys Arg Ala Tyr Tyr Ile Tyr Ser Gly Gly Glu Lys Ile Pro Leu 165 170 175 Val Leu Ser Arg Pro Leu Ser Ser Asn Val Ala Thr Leu Gln His Leu 180 185 190 Cys Arg Lys Thr Val Asn Gly His Leu Asp Ser Tyr Glu Lys Val Thr 195 200 205 Gln Leu Pro Gly Pro Ile Arg Glu Phe Leu Asp Gln Tyr Asp Ala Pro 210 215 220 Leu 225 5 1094 DNA human 5 ctccggctgg ccccttctgt aggatggtag cacacaacca ggtggcagcc gacaatgcag 60 tctccacagc agcagagccc cgacggcggc cagaaccttc ctcctcttcc tcctcctcgc 120 ccgcggcccc cgcgcgcccg cggccgtgcc ccgcggtccc ggccccggcc cccggcgaca 180 cgcacttccg cacattccgt tcgcacgccg attaccggcg catcacgcgc gccagcgcgc 240 tcctggacgc ctgcggattc tactgggggc ccctgagcgt gcacggggcg cacgagcggc 300 tgcgcgccga gcccgtgggc accttcctgg tgcgcgacag ccgccagcgg aactgctttt 360 tcgcccttag cgtgaagatg gcctcgggac ccacgagcat ccgcgtgcac tttcaggccg 420 gccgctttca cctggatggc agccgcgaga gcttcgactg cctcttcgag ctgctggagc 480 actacgtggc ggcgccgcgc cgcatgctgg gggccccgct gcgccagcgc cgcgtgcggc 540 cgctgcagga gctgtgccgc cagcgcatcg tggccaccgt gggccgcgag aacctggctc 600 gcatccccct caaccccgtc ctccgcgact acctgagctc cttccccttc cagatttgac 660 cggcagcgcc cgccgtgcac gcagcattaa ctgggatgcc gtgttatttt gttattactt 720 gcctggaacc atgtgggtac cctccccggc ctgggttgga gggagcggat gggtgtaggg 780 gcgaggcgcc tcccgccctc ggctggagac gaggccgcag accccttctc acctcttgag 840 ggggtcctcc ccctcctggt gctccctctg ggtccccctg gttgttgtag cagcttaact 900 gtatctggag ccaggacctg aactcgcacc tcctacctct tcatgtttac atatacccag 960 tatctttgca caaaccaggg gttgggggag ggtctctggc tttatttttc tgctgtgcag 1020 aatcctattt tatatttttt aaagtcagtt taggtaataa actttattat gaaagttttt 1080 ttttttaaaa aaaa 1094 6 211 PRT human 6 Met Val Ala His Asn Gln Val Ala Ala Asp Asn Ala Val Ser Thr Ala 1 5 10 15 Ala Glu Pro Arg Arg Arg Pro Glu Pro Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser 20 25 30 Pro Ala Ala Pro Ala Arg Pro Arg Pro Cys Pro Ala Val Pro Ala Pro 35 40 45 Ala Pro Gly Asp Thr His Phe Arg Thr Phe Arg Ser His Ala Asp Tyr 50 55 60 Arg Arg Ile Thr Arg Ala Ser Ala Leu Leu Asp Ala Cys Gly Phe Tyr 65 70 75 80 Trp Gly Pro Leu Ser Val His Gly Ala His Glu Arg Leu Arg Ala Glu 85 90 95 Pro Val Gly Thr Phe Leu Val Arg Asp Ser Arg Gln Arg Asn Cys Phe 100 105 110 Phe Ala Leu Ser Val Lys Met Ala Ser Gly Pro Thr Ser Ile Arg Val 115 120 125 His Phe Gln Ala Gly Arg Phe His Leu Asp Gly Ser Arg Glu Ser Phe 130 135 140 Asp Cys Leu Phe Glu Leu Leu Glu His Tyr Val Ala Ala Pro Arg Arg 145 150 155 160 Met Leu Gly Ala Pro Leu Arg Gln Arg Arg Val Arg Pro Leu Gln Glu 165 170 175 Leu Cys Arg Gln Arg Ile Val Ala Thr Val Gly Arg Glu Asn Leu Ala 180 185 190 Arg Ile Pro Leu Asn Pro Val Leu Arg Asp Tyr Leu Ser Ser Phe Pro 195 200 205 Phe Gln Ile 210 7 2807 DNA murine 7 ggaaaccgag gcggggagac caggaggcct tggcctcaga gcttcagagt cgcgtggcag 60 caaacagaga aacctgtaga gggcagtgtg cgtcacttag ctcagggaag ctgcacgcga 120 aactcacccg ccttcattca taaacatcgt cagctaggca cctactcctg ggctttcagg 180 acaaactgaa tcacgaaacc acagtgtcct taaaataggt ctgaccgcct gaatccctgg 240 ccaaggtgtg tacggggcat gggagccctt gtgcagagat gcttgcagga gccttgaggg 300 gctctgtaag acagaggcta ggaagacaaa gttgggggct acagcttctt gtcctgcccg 360 gggcctcagt ttcttcggtt gcccacgtag gagtgcagag agtccagccc ctggggaccc 420 aacccaaccc cgcccagttt ccgaggaact cgtccgggag cgggggcgcc cctcccgcac 480 cgccttaggc ttcctttgaa gcctctgcgg tcaggccacc gcttcctggg aagcccaagc 540 caaggccagg ccgagtggcc aacgggaggg gcccgcgcgc gattctggag gagggcggcg 600 gccccacagg tctccagggc tggctagccg ggctcctaga gcggagactg ccaaggcctt 660 cgggtcctgg gcaggaagga tcctggcagg gaggagttgc ttggggggtg ggggggaaag 720 gctccaggcg cggtggagct ctgaccagga gaatgcacac actcggaggg gaggaggcgt 780 gtcagcccca agctagcatc ccacccgggg agcagcgatg tggggcgaag gtagccagag 840 caaaagagca ggcaccaggt gacacgaaac agaagattcc gggtagagcc agaaccccag 900 aagtcccatt cagggaaggt gcgaggcgag aacgagttag gtggaccctc tccaggggca 960 gccaaagaaa tctaaagaga acccgaagga cttgccggaa agagaaaccg aaagcggcgg 1020 tgggcgggat cggtgggcgg ggcctccctg gtttaagagc ttgatgcagg ggcgggcagc 1080 agcagagaga actgcggccg tggcagcggc acggctcccg gccccggagc atgcgcgaca 1140 gcagccccgg aacccccagc cgcggcgccc cgcgtcccgc cgccaggtga gccgaggcag 1200 ctgcgaagga gcaggcggga ggggatggga ggaaggggag cagagcctgg caggactatc 1260 ctcgcagact gcatggcggg gtcgtggatg ctatgcctct ggcgcccgcc ccaccggctg 1320 gcccaggcgg cccctcgcgc gcgcggggcg ccgtcagccc ctcctctccg gccctgagcc 1380 cggatcgtcc gcccgggttc cagttcccgg cgtggccagt aggcggcaac cgcgaggcgg 1440 caagccaccc agcggggacg gcctggagtc gggcccctct ccacgccccc ttctccacgc 1500 gcgcggggag gcagggctcc accgccagtc tggaagggtt ccacatacag gaacggccta 1560 cttcgcagat gagcccaccg aggctcaggc tccgggcgga ttctgcgtgt caccctcgct 1620 ccttggggtc cgctggccgg cctgtgccac ccggacgccc ggttcactgc ctctgtctcc 1680 cccatcagcg cagccccgga cgctatggcc cacccctcca gctggcccct cgagtaggat 1740 ggtagcacgt aaccaggtgg aagccgacaa tgcgatctcc ccggcatcag agccccgacg 1800 gcggccagag ccatcctcgt cctcgtcttc gtcctcgccg gcggccccgg cgcgtccccg 1860 gccctgcccg gtggtcccgg ccccggctcc gggcgacact cacttccgca ccttccgctc 1920 ccactctgat taccggcgca tcacgcggac cagcgctctc ctggacgcct gcggcttcta 1980 ctggggaccc ctgagcgtgc atggggcgca cgaacggctg cgttccgaac ccgtgggcac 2040 cttcttggtg cgcgacagtc gccagcggaa ctgcttcttc gcgctcagcg tgaagatggc 2100 ttcgggcccc acgagcattc gtgtgcactt ccaggccggc cgcttccacc tggacggcaa 2160 ccgcgagacc ttcgactgcc tcttcgagct gctggagcac tacgtggcgg cgccgcgccg 2220 catgttgggg gccccactgc gccagcgccg cgtgcggccg ctgcaggagc tgtgtcgcca 2280 gcgcatcgtg gccgccgtgg gtcgcgagaa cctggcacgc atccctctta acccggtact 2340 ccgtgactac ctgagttcct tccccttcca gatctgaccg gctgccgccg tgcccgcaga 2400 attaagtggg agcgccttat tatttcttat tattaattat tattattttt ctggaaccac 2460 gtgggagccc tccccgccta ggtcggaggg agtgggtgtg gagggtgaga tccctcccac 2520 ttctggctgg agaccttatc ccgcctctcg gggggcctcc cctcctggtg ctccctcccg 2580 gtccccctgg ttgtagcagc ttgtgtctgg ggccaggacc tgaactccac gcctacctct 2640 ccatgtttac atgttcccag tatctttgca caaaccaggg gtgggggagg gtctctggct 2700 tcatttttct gctgtgcaga atattctatt ttatattttt acatccagtt tagataataa 2760 actttattat gaaagttttt ttttttaaag aaacaaagat ttctaga 2807 8 212 PRT murine 8 Met Val Ala Arg Asn Gln Val Glu Ala Asp Asn Ala Ile Ser Pro Ala 1 5 10 15 Ser Glu Pro Arg Arg Arg Pro Glu Pro Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser 20 25 30 Ser Pro Ala Ala Pro Ala Arg Pro Arg Pro Cys Pro Val Val Pro Ala 35 40 45 Pro Ala Pro Gly Asp Thr His Phe Arg Thr Phe Arg Ser His Ser Asp 50 55 60 Tyr Arg Arg Ile Thr Arg Thr Ser Ala Leu Leu Asp Ala Cys Gly Phe 65 70 75 80 Tyr Trp Gly Pro Leu Ser Val His Gly Ala His Glu Arg Leu Arg Ser 85 90 95 Glu Pro Val Gly Thr Phe Leu Val Arg Asp Ser Arg Gln Arg Asn Cys 100 105 110 Phe Phe Ala Leu Ser Val Lys Met Ala Ser Gly Pro Thr Ser Ile Arg 115 120 125 Val His Phe Gln Ala Gly Arg Phe His Leu Asp Gly Asn Arg Glu Thr 130 135 140 Phe Asp Cys Leu Phe Glu Leu Leu Glu His Tyr Val Ala Ala Pro Arg 145 150 155 160 Arg Met Leu Gly Ala Pro Leu Arg Gln Arg Arg Val Arg Pro Leu Gln 165 170 175 Glu Leu Cys Arg Gln Arg Ile Val Ala Ala Val Gly Arg Glu Asn Leu 180 185 190 Ala Arg Ile Pro Leu Asn Pro Val Leu Arg Asp Tyr Leu Ser Ser Phe 195 200 205 Pro Phe Gln Ile 210 9 35 DNA primer 9 atatctcgag gccaccatgg tagcacgcaa ccagg 35 10 30 DNA primer 10 atataagctt tcagatctgg aaggggaagg 30 11 35 DNA primer 11 atatgcggcc gcgccaccat gaccctgcgg tgcct 35 12 35 DNA primer 12 atatgcggcc gcgccaccat gaccctgcgg tgcct 35 13 35 DNA primer 13 atatgcggcc gcgccaccat gaccctgcgg tgcct 35 14 35 DNA primer 14 atatgcggcc gcgccaccat gaccctgcgg tgcct 35 

1. A method for modulating cytokine or hormone signaling in an animal, said method comprising regulating expression of a genetic sequence encoding a SOCS protein or its derivative or homolog in said animal.
 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the SOCS protein comprises a SOCS box in its C-terminal regional comprising the amino acid sequence:— X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅X₆X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄X₁₅X₁₆[X_(i)]₁₇X₁₈X₁₉X₂₀X₂₁X₂₂X₂₃[X_(j)]_(n)X₂₄X₂₅X₂₆X₂₇X₂₈ wherein X₁ is L, I, V, M, A or P; X₂ is any amino acid residue; X₃ is P, T or S; X₄ is L, I, V, M, A or P; X₅ is any amino acid; X₆ is any amino acid; X₇ is L, I, V, M, A, F, Y or W; X₈ is C, T or S; X₉ is R, K or R; X₁₀ is any amino acid; X₁₁ is any amino acid; X₁₂ is L, I, V, M, A or P; X₁₃ is any amino acid; X₁₄ is any amino acid; X₁₅ is any amino acid; X₁₆ is L, I, V, M, A, P, G, C, T or S; [X_(i)]_(n) is a sequence of amino acids wherein n is from 1 to 50 amino acids and wherein the sequence X_(i) may comprise the same or different amino acids selected from any amino acid residue; X₁₇ is L, I, V, M, A or P; X₁₈ is any amino acid; X₁₉ is any amino acid; X₂₀ is L, I, V, M, A or P; X₂₁ is P; X₂₂ is L, I, V, M, A, P or G; X₂₃ is P or N; [X_(j)]_(n) is a sequence of n amino acids wherein n is from 0 to 50 amino acids and wherein the X_(j) may comprise the same or different amino acids selected from any amino acid residue; X₂₄ is L, I, V, M, A or P; X₂₅ is any amino acid; X₂₆ is any amino acid; X₂₇ is Y or F; X₂₈ is L, I, V, M A or P.
 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the SOCS protein comprises a protein:molecule interacting region N-terminal of a SOCS box.
 4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the protein:molecule interacting region is selected from an SH2 domain, WD-40 repeats and ankyrin repeats.
 5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the animal is a human, primate, livestock animal, laboratory test animal or a companion animal.
 6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the animal is a human.
 7. A method according to claim 1 wherein the hormone is a protein or non-protein hormone.
 8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the hormone is selected from a growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I or prolactin.
 9. A method according to claim 8 wherein the hormone is growth hormone.
 10. A method according to claim 1 wherein the cytokine is an interleukin, tumor necrosis factor, a colony stimulating factor or an interferon.
 11. A method according to claim 1 comprising overexpression of said genetic sequence encoding said SOCS protein.
 12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the SOCS protein is SOCS-1.
 13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the SOCS protein is human SOCS-1.
 14. A method according to claim 11 or 12 wherein over-expression of the genetic sequence is via an expression vector.
 15. A method according to Claim 14 wherein the expression vector is a viral vector.
 16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the viral vector is an adenovirus, adeno-associated virus or retrovirus.
 17. A method according to claim 14 wherein the expression vector is a plasmid-based vector.
 18. A method of modulating cytokine or hormone signalling in an animal and in particular a human, said method comprising up-regulating expression of a genetic sequence encoding a SOCS protein or increasing in said animal and wherein said SOCS protein comprises a protein:molecule interaction region such as but not limited to an SH2 domain, WD-40 repeats and/or ankyrin repeats, N-terminal of a SOCS box, wherein said SOCS box comprises the amino acid sequence:— X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄X₁₅X₁₆[X_(i)]_(n)X₁₇X₁₈X₁₉X₂₀X₂₁X₂₂X₂₃[X_(j)]_(n)X₂₄X₂₅X₂₆X₂₇X₂₈ wherein: X₁ is L, I, V, M, A or P; X₂ is any amino acid residue; X₃ is P, T or S; X₄ is L, I, V, M, A or P; X₅ is any amino acid; X₆ is any amino acid; X₇ is L, I, V, M, F, Y or W; X₈ is C, T or S; X₉ is R, K or H; X₁₀ is any amino acid; X₁₁ is any amino acid; X₁₂ is L, I, V, M, A or P, X₁₃ is any amino acid; X₁₄ is any amino acid; X₁₅ is any amino acid; X₁₆ is L, I, V, M, A, P, G, C, T or S; [X_(i)]_(n) is a sequence of n amino acids wherein n is from 1 to 50 amino acids and wherein the sequence X_(i) may comprise he same or different amino acids selected from any amino acid residue; X₁₇ is L, I, V, M, A or P; X₁₈ is any amino acid; X₁₉ is any amino acid; X₂₀ is L, I, V, M, A or P; X₂₁ is P; X₂₂ is V, M, A, P or G; X₂₃ is P or N; [X_(j)]_(n) is a sequence of n amino acids wherein n is from 0 to 50 amino acids and wherein the X_(j) may comprise the same or different amino acids selected from any amino acid residue; X₂₄ is L, I, V, M, A or P; X₂₅ is any amino acid; X₂₆ is any amino acid, X₂₇ is Y or F; X₂₈ is L, I, V, M, A or P.
 19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the hormone is a protein or non-protein hormone.
 20. A method according to claim 19 wherein the hormone is selected from a growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I or prolactin.
 21. A method according to claim 20 wherein the hormone is growth hormone.
 22. A method according to claim 18 wherein the cytokine is au interleukin, tumor necrosis factor, a colony stimulating factor or an interferon.
 23. A method according to claim 18 comprising overexpression said genetic sequence encoding said SOCS protein.
 24. A method according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the SOCS protein comprises an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ ID NO:8 or an amino acid sequence having at least about 60% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ ID NO:8.
 25. A method according to claim 1 wherein the SOCS protein is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:7 or a nucleotide sequence having at least about 60% similarity to SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:7 or a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing to SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:7 or their complements under low stringency conditions.
 26. A method according to claim 1 wherein the SOCS protein is human SOCS-1, murine SOCS-1 or rat SOCS-1.
 27. A method according to claim 18 wherein the SOCS protein is SOCS-1.
 28. A method according to claim 27 wherein the SOCS protein is human SOCS-1.
 29. A method according to claim 18 wherein up-regulating expression of the SOCS genetic sequence is via an expression vector.
 30. A method according to claim 29 wherein the expression vector is a viral vector.
 31. A method according to claim 30 wherein the viral vector is an adenovirus, adeno-associated virus or retrovinis.
 32. A method according to Claim 29 wherein the expression vector is a plasmid-based vector.
 33. A genetically modified animal having a mutation in one or both alleles of SOCS-1.
 34. A genetically modified animal according to claim 33 wherein the animal is a mouse.
 35. A genetically modified animal according to claim 33 or 34 carrying a deletion mutation in one or both alleles encoding SOCS-1.
 36. Use of an expression vector encoding a SOCS protein to facilitate over-expression of said SOCS protein in an animal cell.
 37. Use according to claim 36 wherein the animal cell is a human cell. 